Benjamin Robert Shepherd allegedly “randomly” attacked two Byron Shire Council workers
A Byron Bay man has been accused of “randomly” attacking council workers and yelling “obscenities” at them while they were doing their job, a court has heard. Now he has launched a fresh bid to be released on bail.
Police & Courts
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A Byron Bay man has been accused of “randomly” attacking council workers and yelling “obscenities” at them while they were doing their job.
Benjamin Robert Shepherd faced Byron Bay Local Court on Tuesday from custody through a video link where he pleaded guilty to one count of intimidation and one count of common assault.
The 45-year-old pleaded not guilty to a second count of intimidation and a second count of common assault.
Court documents state Shepherd allegedly attacked two Byron Shire Council workers between 10am and 10.50am at Byron Bay on January 27.
At court, Shepherd could be seen on video wearing a black singlet with a skull, while his lawyer Kim Ivosevac launched a bail application on his behalf.
Ms Ivosevac said her client engaged in some “disorderly behaviour” and there was evidence he “yelled obscenities” at the council workers.
“He came to Byron before Christmas to visit friends. He lives in a tent and visits the town’s homeless hub Fletcher’s Street Cottage,” she said.
Ms Ivosevac said Shepherd was an alcoholic and suffered from seizures when he did not have a drink, before adding he could follow bail conditions.
The court heard Shepherd had an outstanding warrant in the Northern Territory and breached bail conditions in Queensland.
Magistrate Karen Stafford said the alleged “random” attacks were against council workers trying to do their jobs.
Ms Stafford denied the bail application, concerned Shepherd would commit further offences, endanger the community and put the alleged victim’s safety at risk.
“Given your history of not attending court in NT and Queensland, the conditions proposed don’t mitigate the risk for community safety,” she said.
Shepherd’s case was adjourned to March 17.
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